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‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ Mark began, ‘we are here to enjoy ourselves, but also to remember the soldiers and sailors lost in the recent war and think of the children they left behind. All the money raised will go towards the maintenance of Witherington House as a home for some of those children. We would not be here today, if it were not for Miss Jane Cavenhurst, whose idea it was and who has worked tirelessly towards it.’ He paused and looked round while everyone applauded. ‘Miss Cavenhurst.’ He beckoned Jane to mount the rostrum.
She was taken aback and wanted to sink into the ground, but he was holding out his hand to her and the people nearest to her were urging her on. Reluctantly she stepped up beside Mark. ‘You will pay for that trick, Mark Wyndham,’ she whispered.
‘The credit is yours,’ he whispered back. ‘Tell them about the urchin you met in London, touch their heart-strings.’
She began unsteadily, but as her fervour for the cause took over, her voice strengthened and she saw more than one tear wiped away. ‘We are fortunate that the late Lord Wyndham gave a very generous donation to start us off,’ she finished. ‘And others have also donated. The home has already been purchased, as many of you know, but we still need funds to furnish it and maintain it, so please, buy the produce, enter the games and enjoy the day.’
The Rector stood and led them in a prayer and then Mark called on his mother to declare the fair up and running. It was while she was standing beside her ladyship, looking over the heads of the crowd, that Jane saw Lord Bolsover coming towards her. She looked round for a way of escape, but soon realised she could not flee without creating a scene and she did not want to spoil the happy atmosphere of the afternoon.
Mark had seen him, too. ‘Courage, my love,’ he whispered. ‘Don’t agree to anything.’
She was shaking as she stepped down from the dais to face the man she held so much in aversion. He smiled and doffed his hat in an exaggerated bow. ‘Miss Cavenhurst. You are recovered, I see, and quite the Lady of the Manor. I chose my bride well, methinks.’
She did not deign to answer that. Instead she said, ‘What are you doing here?’’
‘Why, my dear, I have come for my answer. You have kept me waiting long enough. Let us take a stroll.’ He picked up her hand and tucked it beneath his elbow. ‘There, that is better, now we may act the happy couple. Do smile, my dear. You will have everyone think our coming union is not to your liking.’
‘I do not feel like smiling, Lord Bolsover.’
‘Now that is to be regretted, but we shall blame it on your accident, shall we? Not quite yourself yet.’
‘I wish you would go away and leave my family alone.’
‘Now, my dear, you know I cannot do that. Nor would your father wish me to even though he withheld an important document. Very foolish of him. It did nothing more than cause me the inconvenience of coming back for it. My lawyer refused to proceed without it and I would not trust anyone but myself to fetch it. What your papa seems not to have considered is that every day’s delay adds to the interest, which is not inconsiderable. I beg you point that out to him when you tell him you have accepted my proposal.’
‘I have not accepted it.’
‘Oh, but you will, do not doubt it. Shall we get that boy with the bell to give it a go and announce our betrothal to the whole crowd? I am sure they will all be overjoyed for you.’
‘No, please don’t.’ She hated to beg, but she could see Mark marching purposely towards them with a furious expression on his face and she feared a public quarrel. ‘It is too soon. I need more time.’
‘You have had over a month.’
‘I could not help being ill.’
‘But you are well now.’
‘After my sister’s wedding in three weeks’ time,’ she said, groping at straws. ‘I will give you an answer then.’
Mark was almost upon them when Mrs Caulder came hurrying up to Jane. ‘I beg your pardon, my lord,’ she said, addressing Lord Bolsover, ‘but I must speak to Miss Cavenhurst. It is urgent.’
Jane’s relief at the interruption was palpable. She turned to Mrs Caulder with a smile which left her face when she saw how distressed the lady was. ‘What has happened?’
‘Someone has stolen the gate money. I only turned my back a minute to listen to the speeches and when I turned back it was gone.’
Lord Bolsover laughed aloud. ‘I will leave you to sort it out, my dear, but it is only a few pounds. I can easily make it up for you.’ And with that, he strolled away, smiling to himself.
